Fair Housing Protection

What is Fair Housing Protection?
When renting or selling housing, it is illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, age (40 and over), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, mental and physical handicap, presence of trained guide, support or service animals, pregnancy, birth of a child, the number and presence of children, or marital status. Examples of discrimination are: falsely denying that housing is available; discriminatory advertising; refusal to rent; or discrimination in the terms of the lease.

Filing a Complaint with the Borough
Individuals who believe they are being discriminated against with respect to a property located within State College Borough may file a complaint in-person or by mail on forms provided by the Borough. Complaints must be filed within 90 days of the act of discrimination. For more information, call (814) 234-7109.

Filing a Complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Individuals who believe they are being discriminated against may file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in Harrisburg. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the act of discrimination.
The phone number is (717) 787-9784.

Filing a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentA complaint may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by calling the Housing Discrimination Hotline at the toll-free number 1-800-669-9777. Complaints must be filed within one year of the act of discrimination.

Complaint forms for filing with State College Borough, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and HUD are available at the State College Planning Department, 243 South Allen Street, State College, Pennsylvania, 16801.